Comprehensive Flexural Analysis of High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Based on Mix Design and Energy/Post-Peak Strength Indices

Subject Areas : Advanced Materials in Structural Engineering

peyman farhadi yegane ¹ , maryam firoozi ² , Ata Hojatkashani ^{3 *} , abbas akbarpour nik ghalb rashti ⁴ , hasan abbasi ⁵

1 - دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی
2 - هیات علمی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد تهران جنوب
3 - دانشکده فنی مهندسی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد تهران جنوب
4 - واحد تهران جنوب، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایراننویسنده مسئول
5 - دانشکده فنی مهندسی عمران، دانشگاه آزاد تهران جنوب، تهران،ایران

Received: 2025-10-19 Accepted : 2025-11-20 Published : 2025-10-07

Keywords: HPFRCC, load–displacement curve, ductility indices, toughness, polypropylene fibers, Spearman correlation, ,

Abstract :

This study experimentally investigates the flexural behavior of high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) incorporating polypropylene fibers, with a particular focus on the influence of mix design parameters. Forty-four mixtures with varying proportions of cement, metakaolin, silica fume, slag, and limestone powder were tested under three-point bending conditions. The load–displacement responses were analyzed to extract a set of energy-based ductility and toughness indicators that characterize the post-cracking performance of the composites. The results revealed that ductility and residual load capacity were highly dependent on binder composition, especially the balance between cement, metakaolin, and slag contents. Correlation analysis using Spearman’s rank coefficients showed that higher cement and metakaolin levels improved post-peak stability and energy dissipation, whereas excessive slag content led to greater softening and reduced toughness. These findings highlight that optimal mechanical performance in HPFRCCs arises not merely from strength maximization, but from a well-optimized mix design that enhances both energy absorption and post-cracking stability—critical attributes for durable and seismic-resistant structures.

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